'Don't put pressure on us' over Israel games - Ogbene

Republic of Ireland winger Chiedozie Ogbene has asked the public to refrain from pressuring the team over the decision to play against Israel in the Nations League. The match is scheduled to take place in Debrecen, Hungary, followed by a return game in Backa Topola, Serbia, both on October 4. Recent calls for a boycott of the games have been fueled by the ongoing situation in Gaza.

In the lead-up to Thursday's 1-0 loss to Kosovo, stand-in captain Dara O Shea announced that the players would meet on Friday to discuss their stance on the upcoming Israel game, which will be held in front of an empty stadium before a behind-closed-doors match a week later. During an interview with RTE Sport following Thursday's defeat, Ogbene acknowledged the complex and challenging nature of the situation, urging people not to place undue pressure on the team to decide on the matter.

He emphasized that the final decision rests with those in positions of authority and that it is not the responsibility of the footballers to make those choices. Despite the controversy, Ogbene stated that the team focused on the Kosovo match and aimed to secure a victory before addressing the situation with Israel.